VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK RECEIVES 2013 ACTIVE TRAILS GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

(International Falls, MN) June 6, 2013 – Voyageurs National Park is one of 22 national parks across the country selected to receive a 2013 Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks. Now in its fifth year, the Active Trails program supports hands-on projects that encourage the public to lead healthy lives by actively engaging in trail work, special events and community activities that help restore, protect and/or create land and water trails across the country.

"Through the Active Trails program, we are able to help national parks across the country in their efforts to maintain and enhance the 17,000 miles of land and water trails that we currently have," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "These grants also help national parks create new trails and encourage healthy lifestyles by offering opportunities for the public to be active in their national parks."

Voyageurs National Park has partnered with the Rainy Lake Medical Center to bring visitors and patients the Hike to Health Trail Passport Program. Patients that get discharged from the Rainy Lake Medical Center as well as all visitors to this national park will be given information on how to participate in the program; hike a trail, receive an incentive, and get healthy.

Voyageurs National Park will also host the grand opening of the Recreation Trail near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center on September 7, 2013 with a 5 K run/walk.People of all ages should plan to attend. There will be more information coming on how to register.

Finally, to complete the Rainy Lake Recreation Trail a Fall Volunteer Rendezvous will occur to restore the Recreation Trail on September 27 and 28, 2013.Visitors interested in attending the Fall Rendezvous can inquire at www.voyageurs.org.

Since 2008, the National Park Foundation has granted nearly $1.7 million through its Active Trails program.To date, Active Trails has engaged more than 4,700 volunteers and 131 project partners who combined have contributed more than 21,000 hours to help promote, refurbish or build national park trails that were ultimately enjoyed by 304,000 visitors (and counting!).

Voyageurs National Park is 218,054 acres of pristine water and land.There are 15 trails within the park to explore, get connected to the North Woods, and get healthy. Go towww.nps.gov/voyato find out more about this program.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, raises private funds that directly aid, support and enrich America's more than 400 national parks and their programs.Chartered by Congress as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation plays a critical role in conservation and preservation efforts, establishing national parks as powerful learning environments, and giving all audiences an equal and abundant opportunity to experience, enjoy and support America's treasured places.www.nationalparks.org.